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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Yong Moma | Posted under Pregnancy
Portable Ultrasound Machines Prove Valuable
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Portable units are found in all hospitals, in medical facilities, and out in the field. They are not designed to replace the traditional systems. The portable systems allow physicians to more efficiently and conveniently perform procedures. An excellent option for those in hospital, for those visiting a doctor at a clinic eliminating a visit to a lab, and recent reports are indicating these machines are saving soldiers lives on the field. Portable units are available in a variety of sizes from a cart based system that is wheeled around to very small hand held devices. Of course the smaller the unit the easier it is to move around. That said, the hand held units don't have the additional accessories that the cart models do. It's all about trade off. And today's portable doesn't mean you'll sacrifice. In fact most of the modern portables are equivalent to fixed systems. And the price of portability has also dropped considerably. The biggest limitation is in the transducer not in the device. The fixed systems have a high resolution transducer which is yet available on the portable units. Most Doctors will agree that the portable units are extremely functional but they also agree that the technology of the high end machines hasn't yet made it to the portable machines. Portable units cost from $20,000 to $70,000. Remember you do get what you paid for. A low end cart model will run you $20,000 but compared to the low end fixed models that start at $200,000 that's quite a difference. Portability can also save money over time. The cost of transporting patients around can be quite costly. A doctor with three offices might require a fixed model in each office where as one portable could do the job. Portability can also mean faster service. If you have 40 hospital patients waiting you need staff to move them down to the lab which takes time and time costs money. Yet one technician could very quickly move among the 40 patients in a fraction of the time costing considerably less. It's also more convenient for the patient who doesn't have to be drug around the hospital, then left in the hall to await their turn. Portable ultrasounds directly impact how health care services are delivered. So not only has radiology gained some flexibility in how they deliver their services hospitals have seen an economic benefit because of improved flexibility in how services are delivered. Anesthesiologists are a perfect example. With portable equipment they can easily insert lines. Ultrasounds also can provide images at the bedside for setting broken bones, spotting abnormal fluid concentrations, reducing needle sticks, and so much more. Ultrasounds both in the fixed model and portable model will remain an integral and important part of health care at the clinical level and hospital level. Internists, specialists, and general practitioners all regularly request this testing method and that's not likely to change. Portable units have just added another option. And recent reports are indicating that soldiers lives are being saved on the battle filed because of the portable ultrasound. Currently systems are being developed that won't even require a doctor to read them but will have the ability to detect and stem life threatening bleeding all on their own. Although not there yet almost all teams have medical staff with them and those professionals combined with the portable technology are able to save more lives than ever before. Although mostly recognized for its use in pregnant women ultrasound technology has plenty of other uses one of which is to detect a rupture to an internal blood vessel which can be life threatening. Portable units are also being used to measure muscle, subcutaneous fat, and bones right at home. And you might be surprised to discover it can actually prevent weight gain which is especially useful with the elderly and those combine to bed. Much research and several studies have proven the benefits. The balance between muscles, bones, and fat is a basic indication of your overall health. Even modern bathroom scales break it down into percentages even though the numbers aren't completely accurate. Using this new device lets you connect it right to your computer at home and it gives you a variety of functions to meet your own specific needs. It's smaller and lighter than previous models and relatively affordable. So you see these portable units have many benefits. And they continue to grow in popularity. As more and more become available there's a good chance that the prices may come down somewhat. It will be interesting to see how long it takes for all the functionality of the fixed models to make it to the cart and hand held markets. That's will be impressive. Portable ultrasound machines are a great investment for any medical facility or hospital. About The Author: Yong has been working for a leading ultrasound manufacturer for last 8 years. At At http://www.ultrasoundlive.com he has provide information about different types of utlrassound equipments. Visit the website to get more information about ultrasound equipment and accessories. |
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